Botanical Name: Catalpa speciosa
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Common Name: Western Catalpa; Northern Catalpa  
Plant photo of: Catalpa speciosa
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Water Saving Tip:

Group plants in your garden according to their water needs (hydrozone).

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree

 

Height Range

25-40', 40-60', 60-100'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Light Green, Yellow Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Black, Brown

 

Fruit Season

Winter, Fall

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Moist, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Messy

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Background, Lawn, Park, Street Tree

 

Special Uses

Shade Tree

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Gordon Courtright/Dowsett
  • Description

  • Notes

A native of the central US. Its branch structure presents a bold, rugged appearance.This large, deciduous tree has an upright and rounded form; leaves are light green to yellow-green and heart-shaped. Large white, orchid-like flowers appear above the leaves in late May to early June, and are followed by long pods. Size is variable depending on seed source and site conditions, growing between 40 and 70 feet tall and 20 to 50 feet wide. There are some lovely specimens at Liberty Park along 700 East.
Grow in full sun to part shade in well drained soil, though it will tolerate moist conditions. Indifferent to soil type; also tolerant of air pollution, clay soils, and dry soils. Known for its tolerance of tough conditions, especially heat and drought.